Jeremy Lawless

I could listen to Tom Hamilton calling the final out of the 2016 ALCS against the Toronto BlueJays all day. In fact, it is part of our Outro for the show and will be for the foreseeable future. But in true Cleveland Indians fashion, the player, who dropped to his knees and threw his hands to the heavens, has moved on. 

This story begins on July 26th, 2008. The Indians fresh off of a disappointing 2007 ALCS loss, to the Boston Red Sox, were looking to move on from some of their aging players (sound familiar?). Casey Blake had been a solid player for the Indians but it was time to move on.

The Headlines read:

“Dodgers send pair of prospects to Indians for Blake”

“Casey Blake traded to Dodgers, raising Cleveland’s white flag higher”

The Casey Blake era in Cleveland was indeed, over. But little did we know a new era … was just beginning. The Indians received pitching prospect Jon Meloan and catching prospect … Carlos Santana.

Santana, then 22 years old was at that point, a Class A ballplayer for Inland Empire. In 2008 he had 14 homeruns, 96 RBI’s and a .323 Average. He was still transitioning to be a catcher after playing primarily third base and right field in the Dodgers farm system in 2006.

I remember celebrating this trade. No, not because I am some genius baseball talent evaluator, just simply because I hated Casey Blake. Sorry, not Sorry. Also, He carries the same name as famous guitarist, Santana. I am easily amused.

Carlos Santana dominated.

In 2009, 23 year old Carlos Santana was named the Eastern League MVP for AA Akron. 

In 2010, ‘Los was setting AAA Columbus on fire. He led all Indians Minor League players in homeruns and RBI’s and led all International League players in walks, on-base percentage and OPS.

It was time. On June 11th, 2010, Carlos Santana was called up to the Bigs.

Carlos had and outstanding June in 2010 but struggled a bit in July and suffered a season-ending injury in Boston on August 2nd. His .401 OBP would have ranked 4th in the MLB with enough at-bats. One thing was becoming clear. This kid can play.

I could go on and on about his consistent offensive production for the years that follow, but you already know the player he is. Most loved his ability to get on base. Others thought he needed to hit more homeruns and with a better average. He has never made anyone say “wow” with his glove. 

So lets skip ahead.

In December, 2017, the Carlos Santana era ended. After signing Edwin Encarnacion to a 3-year 60 million dollar deal before the 2017 season, Carlos found himself expendable. Cleveland did extend a 1 year - $17.4 million dollar offer that was rejected by Santana.

The Headlines:

“Tribe Cornerstone Santana joining Phillies”

Carlos went on to sign a 3 year - $60 million dollar deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. It didn’t work out.

An average year for him personally, he found himself frustrated during a late-season collapse in Philly. So frustrated at the lack of focus from his teammates he smashed a clubhouse TV that was oft-used for video gaming before, DURING and after games.

Jake Arrieta had a problem with Santana. In 2019, Arrieta directly attributed a better culture to not having Carlos Santana in the Club House. Santana responded elegantly and quickly built support with Phillies and Indians fans. Arrieta has since become irrelevant.

Wait, spoiler alert. How was Santana no longer in the Phillies Clubhouse? Well, that’s fun too.

December 3, 2018, Carlos Santana was traded to the Seattle Mariners with J.P. Crawford for Jean Segura and a couple of relief pitchers.

On December 13th, 2018, the Cleveland Indians sent Edwin Encarnacion to the Mariners, Yandy Diaz and Cole Sulser and a draft pick to the Rays. The Indians received Jake Bauers from the Rays and familiar face, Carlos Santana from the Mariners. 

Carlos was back home. Literally. He never sold his home in Cleveland after signing with the Phillies a year earlier.

In 2019, Carlos had a career year. He practically met or beat his best marks in every statistical category on his way to making the All-Star team for the first time in his career. It was awesome to see him back home.

On the other hand, Carlos just never got it going in 2020. At various points in the season he went up looking for a walk. We all know Carlos walks a lot but he never looked comfortable at the plate. He posted career worsts in almost every statistical category but led the American League in Walks. 

Unlike after the 2017 season, the $17.5 million dollar deal was not extended to Carlos. Carlos was set to be a free agent. Was the Carlos Santana era in Cleveland really over?

On December 8th, 2020, we got our answer. Yes.

Headlines:

“Former Indians All-Star 1B Carlos Santana signs with Royals”

Former Indians 1B, Carlos Santana.

He has been a “former” before but this time feels so much different. He has been an Iron-Man of sorts for this ballclub since 2010. With the exception of 2018 if you turned on an Indians game since 2010, Santana was there. He has been a major part of the Cleveland community and will continue to call Cleveland home. 

Thank you, Carlos, for the memories. You were quite the catch.

Ballgame.